Solo Training: The Martial Artist's Home Training Guide

As a lifetime student involved in numerous martial arts for more than 60 years I have read more martial arts books than I can remember in all my years of training in Karate-do, Judo, Jujitsu, Kenjutsu, Yawara-Jutsu, boxing, wrestling, Combatives, Krav Maga and other systems.One of my favorite martial arts authors over the years has been Loren W. Christensen, who background as both a cop and martial artist in many ways matches my own. His books are always a pure joy to read. I just purchased and finished reading this fantastic 301 page soft cover volume (Solo Training: The Martial artist’s guide to training alone by Loren Christensen) and learned a lot of great tips. As someone who always trained alone along with taking classes with an instructor, I have always had a passion for techniques and methods to improve your martial arts skills when training solo.Even though I have used many of the methods taught in this book, it still gave me many innovative ideas to add to my own training routines. The nine chapters cover an enormous amount of material. The first chapter explains the importance of warm ups and shows many exercises. The second chapter is devoted to improve your kicks. The third chapter deals with foot work drills. The fourth chapter covers various drills using hands, elbows and forearms. The fifth chapter is about sparring drills. The sixth chapter has various odds and ends workout routines. The seventh chapter focuses on mental training. Chapter eight shows cross training routines and the final chapter covers 12 ½ hour workout routines the author has used in his personal training.The only complaint I have about this clearly written book is they should have added more photographs showing some of the specific movements; nevertheless, I recommend this book to anyone who desires to increase their skill and total fitness levels by adding solo workouts to their regular dojo training with an instructor.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Training alone in Combatives and Self-Defense)

I like this book it is easy to use and understand and is great for beginners or if it has been a while since you practiced helping get your muscle memory back.

I'll keep it pithy.I train solo.The book tells you a bunch of Solo Training exercises.I wanna train my speed; it tells me exercises for speed.I wanna kick harder; Leg Drills Galore!I wanna become more explosive; BOOM! Just the drills I need.Plus: This guy's been around so there's some pretty interesting tales in here, not to mention his writing style is really fun to read.Martial Artist or Not...Give this A Buy...Can't wait to get the second one.

Whether you are a devoute practicioner, or an off and on student who mostly or only practices in the dojo, this is the perfect book. I am a Wu Ying Tao instructor who moved away from his dojo in Portland, OR and am now teaching in NY. The biggest problem is that I no longer have my sifu, or dojo buddies around, and so by my Sijo i was pointed to Loren's book, and i have got to say it has been a life saver. Not only has it helped me discover, and even create new work outs, it has also helped me mix it up in the class room as well. Loren from all appearences without actually meeting him, is a stand up martial artist, and the real deal when it comes to unleashing its potential.~Loren P. Utterback

The book is good, you can finish it rather fast it's not a super long book and it isnt super short too so I feel it's a "📚 good size book📚 " for those of us who get book-boredom and dont finish all our books.Material wise I felt it was good and worth it but if you are looking for training training no book can 100% teach you that, it can only offer a window to methods and techniques not the real training so if you want to learn learn sure grab the book get some insight but find a place that has a legitimate trainer if you like what you read. Books can teach many things but sometimes a coach is needed too. However that being said this is a good book to open your mind up to learn

I have mixed feelings regarding this book. Personally, I haven't heard of the author prior to picking up a copy of this book. I understand he has quite an audience. I'm sure this audience will find the book a good purchase. However, for those unaware of Mr. Christensen, it will take some time to get used to his writing style and approach to martial arts.'Solo training' delivers. It's packed with drills and excercises. It motivates you to go out and train alone. It's clear and concise. Reading it, even without actually performing the excercises, gives you insight about fighting.The author's karate background is dominant. Both in tournaments and actual street fights. Those who wish to train alone who come from different background (other than karate) will find this a bit awkward. Maybe Mr. Christensen shuold've titled his book "The Karatist Guide to Training Alone".

A must have book for the library of anyone interested in the art or sport of self defense. It is not a karate book but a street survival book written from someone with the scars and experience. It will take some time and lots of training to do half of what is suggested here but well worth the effort in fitness and skills.James

If you are looking for a book to learn how to perform various kicks and punches, then this is the book for you. I feel this book is very detailed in explaining the variations of different martial arts moves. I also enjoy how Loren switches his explanations from competition scenarios to street fights. He is constantly explaining how effective the kicks are if you hit your assailant in the groin area, and how to make the kick even more damaging. I got this because I love reading and learning how martial artists train. This book explains how you can practice different moves on your own anywhere anytime.